No Need for a Contingency Plan

January is a time when people, deeply thoughtful people often think of a theme to focus upon during the year. In the same way, for some, quotes or verses are meaningful and frame or mark portions of our lives. I have several Bible verses that I consider to be theme verses—pivot points that can redirect me, reaffirm me and are indelible watermarks on my heart. One of the verses that has been a lifelong theme is Jeremiah 29:11.

"For I know the plans I have for you, 'declares the Lord,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jer. 29:11 NIV

Although I have long ago committed this verse to memory, I believe the Word of God to be living and active. I am never surprised when something new is revealed from the old. And, I am never surprised when God uses one of his own to illuminate what was previously hidden from my eyes and my heart. Yesterday was just such a moment.

In a very God-directed sermon, during a conference just for women, the speaker shared something I have never noticed. In Jeremiah 29:11,  God does not say he has a plan for our lives. He says he has planS (plural) for our lives.  Not just one–I've blown it now so there are no more chances for me plan.  He has many plans. Perhaps even an infinite number of plans.

But, what does that mean?  If we blow it once does that mean we move to Plan B or Plan C or Plan D or Plan Z on God's list for us?  I don't believe so.

God may have many plans for us, but Jeremiah 29:11 says that all of the plans have the same purpose—to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. It is a singular focus with many results.

God is working and active in our lives to bring about good and he calls us and helps us to become more like Christ (Romans 8:28-30). God is not dependent upon our success or failure. The many plans he has for us are meant for our good, they are not a contingency plan, they are a perfect plan.

I am grateful.







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